Dollywood



Theme Park:Dollywood (since 1986)
Silver Dollar City (1976 - 1985)
Goldrush (1975)
Goldrush Junction (1970 - 1974)
Rebel Railroad (1961 - 1969)
Address:2700 Dollywood Parks
37863 Pigeon Forge
https://www.dollywood.com/
Operated by:Herschend Family Entertainment


Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, traces its roots back to 1961, when the park first opened as Rebel Railroad. Over the following decades, it evolved through Goldrush Junction and Silver Dollar City Tennessee before entering a new chapter in 1986, when country music legend Dolly Parton became a co-owner. Her personality, music and deep connection to the Great Smoky Mountains have shaped the park ever since and helped turn Dollywood into one of America’s best-known theme parks.

Today, Dollywood combines modern roller coasters and family attractions with the music, craftsmanship and traditions of the Great Smoky Mountains. Attractions such as Lightning Rod, Wild Eagle and Big Bear Mountain are complemented by award-winning live entertainment, traditional craft demonstrations and popular seasonal festivals. Throughout the park, the culture of the region remains an essential part of the experience.

The combination of a rich history, modern attractions and Dolly Parton’s lasting influence gives Dollywood a character unlike any other theme park in the United States.

 
Reviews

Enjoying the Smoky Mountains at Dollywood


 
 
 

Highlights of the Theme Park

 




 

FireChaser Express

A very fun family coaster

 


 

Lightning Rod

A world-class hybrid coaster

 


 

Mystery Mine

A mine blowing ride

 


 

Tennessee Tornado

Riding the storm

 


 

Thunderhead

An awesome wooden coaster

 


 

Wild Eagle

Flying like an eagle

 


Kennywood



Theme Park:Kennywood (since 1899)
Address:4800 Kennywood Blvd
15122 West Mifflin
https://www.kennywood.com/
Operated by:Herschend Entertainment


Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, is one of America’s oldest amusement parks, with a history dating back to 1898. Originally opened as a trolley park near Pittsburgh, Kennywood has grown considerably over the decades while preserving much of its historic character. Today, century-old attractions stand alongside modern roller coasters, making the park a fascinating mix of amusement park history and contemporary rides.

Kennywood is particularly known for its collection of classic wooden roller coasters. Jack Rabbit, Racer and Thunderbolt have entertained generations of visitors and remain an important part of the park today. They are joined by modern attractions such as Phantom’s Revenge and Steel Curtain, along with an impressive collection of classic rides and family attractions, including several that have become increasingly rare elsewhere.

More than 125 years after opening, Kennywood still has the unmistakable charm of a traditional American amusement park. Historic architecture, classic rides and generations of park history can be found throughout the property, while the modern attractions ensure that Kennywood continues to evolve.

 
Reviews

Kennywood: A classic amusement park


 
 
 

Highlights of the Theme Park

 




 

Jack Rabbit

A very fun wooden coaster

 


 

Phantom’s Revenge

A blast of a ride

 


 

Racer

The old-school racing coaster

 


 

Sky Rocket

A compact launch coaster

 


 

The Exterminator

The great indoor coaster

 



Kings Dominion



Theme Park:Kings Dominion (since 1975)
Address:16000 Theme Park Way
23047 Doswell
https://www.kingsdominion.com/
Operated by:Six Flags


Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, has been a major East Coast amusement park since opening in 1975. Developed by the same team behind Kings Island in Ohio, the two parks still share some unmistakable similarities. International Street welcomes guests at the entrance, while the park’s Eiffel Tower has remained one of its most recognizable landmarks for decades.

The coaster lineup ranges from the classic wooden Grizzly to the towering giga coaster Pantherian and the modern wing coaster Rapterra. Beyond the roller coasters, Kings Dominion offers a wide selection of thrill rides and family attractions, along with the included Soak City water park during the summer season.

Away from the major attractions, tree-lined pathways and spacious park areas give Kings Dominion a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. Even on a busy day, there are plenty of quieter corners to explore between rides.

 
Reviews

Having a great time at Kings Dominion


 
 
 

Highlights of the Theme Park

 




 

Backlot Stunt Coaster

A very fun launched coaster

 


 

Dominator

A very intense ride

 


 

Drop Tower

Going down

 


 

Flight of Fear

An awesome indoor coaster

 


 

Grizzly

The out-of-control wooden coaster

 


 

Pantherian

The intimidating ride

 


 

Racer 75

A rebel yell of a ride

 


 

Twisted Timbers

The best RMC coaster

 



 
 

Past Highlights of the Theme Park

 





 

Anaconda

A large-scale looping coaster